The US State Department notified General Atomics, the Predator Drone manufacturer, that the ‘tiered review’ for the sale of 31 MQ9B drones to India has been cleared by the US Congress. Official Congressional notification is expected within 24 hours. The Modi government, although silent on the matter, received the information from the drone maker and the US national security establishment. Sources in Washington confirm that the official notification for the sale of 31 MQ9B Predator armed drones to India will be issued later today. The distribution includes 15 drones for the Indian Navy and eight each for the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force, all high-altitude long-endurance drones.

Congress’s involvement in the arms transfer process is crucial, and we consult with its members on the Foreign Affairs Committees before formal notification to address any queries they may have.”

The GE-414 engine deal with the US is reportedly progressing well, as communicated by the company’s CEO to the highest levels of the Modi government. Both the drone and aircraft engine agreements are under the purview of the national security advisors of India and the US.

The Indian Navy currently operates two unarmed Predator drones from the Rajali air base in Tamil Nadu, leased from the US. These drones have significantly enhanced Indian maritime domain awareness, particularly in addressing threats from Houthi missiles and Somali Pirates in the Red Sea.